The Natural History Museum in Cremona will host the exhibition "The Poison After the Shot”, an original event focused an important environmental and faunal problem.

Through a collection of unique samples, the exhibition describes in a precise way the effects of the lead poisoning on the water birds, on the birds of prey and on the big European vultures which are nowadays endangered species.

A path of knowledge and awareness

Beyond the samples displayed, the museum path is enriched by a selection of emotional videos which show the effects (not well-known at the moment) of the lead contamination on the wild birds. These videos reveal not only the dramatic impact of this phenomenon on the fauna but also the wider impact on the Environment and on the human health.

The lead, in fact, does not contaminate only the birds: it goes through the soil and the waters, it enters some crops and finally the food that we eat. The message of the exhibition is a clear warning about the consequences of a not-responsible use of this toxic metal.

The lead in the ammunition

Even if the toxicity is widely recognized and its used has been banned in several production sectors (gasoline, varnishes, typography, toys), the lead is still used in the production of the hunting ammunition. In Europe, every year, more or less 14.000 tons of lead contaminate the Environment because of the hunting activities. This metal can remain in the soil for decades and it can represent a threat for the wild fauna. According to the European Chemical Agency (ECHA), at least 1.300.000 birds in Europe, die every year because of lead intoxication.

An important achievement in the legal framework

On the 15th of February 2023 it was implemented the Regulation 2021/57 of the European Union which forbids the use and the possession of the lead bullets for hunting and shooting sports less than 100 meters far from the wet areas. This represents a fundamental step in recognizing the risks of the lead for the bio-diversity, the waters’ quality and the human health.

Why is this exhibition worth a visit?

"The Poison After the Shot” is a unique opportunity to discover the impact of an environmental problem which is often underestimated and to study the individual and collective responsibilities for the environmental protection.

Do not miss this extraordinary opportunity of learning and awareness raising which combines science, education and awareness raising in a fascinating context.